2 - Learn from communities who have upgraded  requires that the other communities are also connected. They could learn what upgrading is all about, and to exchange ideas on things to watch out for (what works, what can be done, what are their rights, etc.).

a) to other communities, to exchange information on
common issues, and to combine and collaborate in campaigns for policy influence and advocacy.
b) to city authorities to alert to problems and
opportunities, and to influence policy.
c) to specific agencies in coordinating implementation; for example, installation of water network

3 - Marketing of products: setting up a website offers the opportunity of selling local handicrafts as well as other products. An effective distribution system - usually mail - must be available to be successful. An administrative mechanism must be set up to deal with advertising and filling orders. Would this be an effective way to cover operating costs of the equipment?

What to consider in setting it up

1 - Costs of Equipment. Several items must be considered

a) Initial costs of purchasing basic computer equipment. Modem, CD/disk drives, and sufficient memory for storage should be included. How many would be needed?
b) Software: word processing, accounting, internet access.
c) Other necessary equipment: printer, and perhaps a
scanner. And perhaps even a digital camera.
d) And often overlooked, updating equipment as the technology advances, for hardware as well as software. It is not unusual for technology to rapidly change within 6 months to 1 year - becoming both easier to use, faster, and appreciably lower in cost. Two years is often cited as the threshold of obsolescence in keeping up.

2 - Training of staff - who will pay for training, where will it be done, on-site? Three types of skills are needed: technical for hardware maintenance, skills for using software and internet, and training of teachers for educational use. Programming skills, particularly web design, are becoming increasing important.

3 - Location and space for equipment. Dust, temperature and humidity should be controlled. Dust being the most important to avoid.

4 - Link to internet: How would this be done: telephone lines, satellite/radio systems? What are the costs involved - experience shows that this is a key factor in accessibility. Minimum speed of 9,600-12,000kps is necessary for internet use.

5 - Staff: Will a permanent or part-time staff be hired? Who will pay for this? How many to hire? Would one who-does-it-all be possible? What are their duties? Some possibilities are: